On the eve of the very first Christmas, an old grandmother is busy tidying her home when a bright star illuminates the sky. Soon three wise men arrive and invite Babushka to join them in their travels—following the star in search of a newborn babe, the Prince of Peace. But there are dishes to be washed, and floors to be swept, and Babushka is too absorbed in her work to leave her home with presents for the baby Jesus.
The next day, when Babushka tries to follow the men, she cannot find their tracks. Instead, she finds a little girl shivering in the cold, and a little boy, his tummy rumbling with hunger. Babushka walks and walks, and everywhere she goes she finds children in need of toys to play with or a shawl to keep them warm. And to each one, she offers a gift from her basket and a smile of light and love.
"Babushka: A Christmas Tale" by Dawn Casey (Author) and Amanda Hall (Illustrator): With beautiful illustrations evoking folk art traditions and sensitive storytelling, Babushka tenderly reminds us that nothing is more important during the holiday season than taking the time to show love for one another. This timeless Russian tale will warm your heart and fill you up with the joyful, generous spirit of Christmas.
· “The emotionally satisfying folk tale is told in lyrical, polished prose that exudes an air of magic and mystery. . . A delightful retelling of an intriguing tale that will make a fine read-aloud for families who celebrate Christmas as a Christian holiday.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED review
My Review:
Babushka is about a sweet old lady who spends most of her time inside her home cleaning, that she didn't notice the Star that shown brightly on the night that Jesus was born. The three wise men knocked on her door for a place to rest and she feeds them while they rest, and they tell her of Jesus and his birth and how they are taking gifts to him. Babushka then decides before she falls asleep, that she will take gifts to the newborn king in the morning. She packs up a bunch of toys, food and more and follows the footsteps of the three wise men. Then she gets lost and loses their trail. But she runs into a little girl who is cold, a little boy who is hungry, and children who've never had a toy before. She shared all of her toys, food, etc. with others. "Babushka is still journeying. And everywhere she goes, she gives a gift."
This would be a great book to share with your children this year, and year round, to teach children about giving to others.
Be like Babushka this Christmas, and purchase one extra gift for another child. Either wrap it up and leave it on someone's doorstep that you know don't have a lot, drop it some place where there's a Toys for Tots box, or at your local police or fire station. You too can be like Babushka.
Buy It!
Win It!
Enter below to win your own copy of "Babushka: A Christmas Tale" using the Giveaway Tools form below. Giveaway is open to residents in all 50 U.S. States and Canada. No P.O.Boxes, sorry. Giveaway ends on 12/14.
Disclosure: I received a copy of "Babushka: A Christmas Tale" by Dawn Casey from Skypony Press in exchange for my post. No other compensation was exchanged or received.
We are doing shoeboxes at church and contributing to the needy shelter.
ReplyDeleteWe are doing the shoeboxes at church. I am giving to the Needy Bank.
ReplyDeleteI am donating to a local shelter. I have been collecting items in my house for the last two weeks.
ReplyDeleteI am not helping a family or donating to a police station. Last year we donated to coats for kids. Although, a few weeks ago we donated to our school winter items (coats, hats, gloves, socks). A lot of it at that!
ReplyDeleteWe choose names off the Angel tree and also donate to Toys for Tots!
ReplyDeleteMy hubby and I have also donated time and food to the local shelter!
ReplyDeleteToys for Tots is a worthy charity for our donations.
ReplyDeleteWe always pick a child's name off of our local giving tree and try to make a nice Christmas for them.
ReplyDeleteWe are giving money to the Salvation Army.
ReplyDeleteWe give to Salvation Army.
ReplyDeleteThis Christmas we are donating food to some of the food drives.
ReplyDeleteEvery year we donate toys throughout the year especially to Safe Haven, a place for abused women. I also donate quilts to Duke Children's Hospital.
ReplyDeleteWe help the Salvation army.
ReplyDeleteWe give our time to help at shelters.
ReplyDeleteI donate clothes and food.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I donated fifteen new unwrapped toys to our local VFW post for The Toy's For Tot's this year.
ReplyDelete